NYC News

Tacos Chicos Brings Mexico City Flavors—and Punk Energy—to the East Village
April 16, 2025, 12:02.44 pm ET

Print


Photos: Tacos Chicos

You could blink and miss it—Tacos Chicos is tucked inside 96 Tears, a punk-rock bar on Avenue A—but don’t. Now open, this Mexico City-inspired taquería is slinging four kinds of tacos, each so bold and finely tuned they feel less like street food and more like a perfectly mixed track.

The man behind the menu is Chef Sergio Capdeville, a Mexico City native and five-time winner of New Jersey’s Best Taco Award (yes, that’s a thing). He’s keeping it tight: four tacos only. Carnitas slow-roasted pork, perfectly seasoned, tender and crispy. Carne Asada, grilled steak kissed with a punchy salsa. Pollo Chipotle cloaked in smoky tamarind sauce. And a veggie taco—spinach and mushrooms—that’s as satisfying as any meat option. No filler, no frills—just tacos with soul.

The vibe? Think CDMX street corner meets Lower East Side punk dive. Tacos Chicos was born from a New York–Mexico City crew who first connected through music festivals in Mexico. That crossover lives on here: LES bar vets, a Mexican poet-musician (Elías Gameros), the Ramones' creative director (Arturo Vega – who designed the visual identity for Tacos Chicos), and entrepreneur (Gustavo Gameros) all have their fingerprints on the place.

It’s a taco spot with heart, grit, and a late-night appetite—perfect for dates, bites, or post-show sustenance. There’s sidewalk seating, Cinco de Mayo specials coming, and a Baja-style fish taco dropping soon.

Tacos Chicos is open Wednesday–Sunday, 6–11pm at 110 Avenue A.



^Top